After a week off to regroup, White Hall is set to open conference play Friday night.
White Hall will host Searcy at Bulldog Stadium at 7 p.m., continuing a three-game home stand.
White Hall (0-3) struggled against a tough non-conference schedule, though the Bulldogs looked improved in their final game against Morrilton, even if the score didn’t reflect it.
Head coach Daryl Patton said the Bulldogs are trying to build on that performance.
“We’ve just gotta keep working at it, chipping away,” Patton said. “Finding the right people, change some things around, try to create some sparks. Getting some guys back healthy will help, too.”
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The Bulldogs finally got their run game going against the Devil Dogs, finishing with 285 yards. Senior running back Kylon Davis led the pack with 160 yards and two touchdowns. If not for four turnovers, White Hall would have been right with Morrilton in that game.
Offensive line injuries have held the Bulldogs back. Patton said every week, it feels like White Hall gets a lineman back healthy but loses two more.
“It’s kind of the next man up mentality,” Patton said. “We’re not going to sit around and cry about the kids that are not able to play. We’re going to go out there and do the best we can and try to win ball games. It’s been tough, obviously, losing as many kids as we have. Just from the Stuttgart game on, it seems like every week’s a different lineup.”
Searcy (2-1) is making its 5A Central debut after dropping from Class 6A. The Lions defeated Batesville and Harrison in non-conference play with a loss to Valley View, the reigning 5A West champions.
Searcy coach Zac Clark was one of Patton’s assistants at Fayetteville. After winning two state championships together, they know each other’s tendencies.
Patton said Clark is an excellent play caller.
“He’s really good at breaking down what your defense is good at and what they’re weak at, and he’ll attack it,” Patton said. “When he finds something he likes, he’s going to stick with it until you stop it.”
Like White Hall, Searcy leans on a pair of running backs. Curtis Goodrich, a junior, has rushed for six touchdowns this season and averages 90.3 yards per game. Senior Rickey Love averages 83 yards per game and has scored twice. Both have a 100+ yard rushing game this season.
Senior quarterback Johnny Bell is averaging 171.3 yards per game through the air with three touchdown passes.
White Hall’s defense hasn’t intercepted a pass so far this year, but Searcy’s offense has thrown five. Patton said he wants his defense to start forcing turnovers, something the Bulldogs have done only once so far, a fumble against Warren.
“We gotta create some opportunities for the team,” Patton said. “When we do make the tackle, first guy, secure. Second and third guys come in and try to rake and strip the ball. When they do throw it, when we make them throw it … we gotta swarm to the football, play coverage, do our assignments and then get some interceptions.”